don't use a term like that. >> reporter: aides admit barack obama in debates can sound like a professorial no-it-all. >> i understand the broader point that senator clinton has been trying to make over the last several weeks. >> reporter: tonight's format is from 2008. two podiums, moderator jim lehrer, 90 minutes, no breaks. a back and forth on domestic issues with possible fireworks. >> i think you're going to see both of them actually be more aggressive than either of their campaigns have predicted because the stakes are pretty high. >> reporter: the contest could get even tighter after tonight's clash. but many here in denver agree, this race could be determined by this first debate. live from denver, i'm steve handelsman, nbc bay area news. >> it could be a very revealing night. thank you so much. be sure to watch tonight's debate live here on nbc bay area. it begins at 6:00. >>> investors voted with their wallets today, and the result was not pretty for hewlett-packard. hp's ceo meg whitt man admitted they're still struggling and the turnaround will like take years. shares of stock f